Chapter 1099: Presence

Chapter 1099: Presence

Later, Ayan said to Horace, "Now that you're here, please keep an eye

on things. In the next few days, the old Simpson is planning to be

admitted to the hospital. We're keeping it low-key for now, not

announcing it publicly to avoid any disturbance to the old Simpson's

recovery. Only close friends around us know about it."

In saying this, Ayan was telling Horace that he now considered him part

of the team. They could discuss and face things together.

Horace understood the implication and chuckled, "You're putting quite a

bit of pressure on me."

Ayan laughed along with him, and the two chatted amicably. Horace

also offered to help whenever needed, and Ayan graciously accepted.

With Ayan's guidance and assurance, Horace became less concerned

about the affairs involving Preston. As expected, when Preston secured

the project, Brody was in an excellent mood. That afternoon, he came

to Armstrong Corp, organized a meeting where he publicly praised

Preston, elevating him in front of all the executives. Preston was

showered with applause.

In the evening, Brody used his connections to secure tickets for a

certain event and took Preston along. Preston only found out about it

after the news broke the next day, but he didn't mind at all.

On the other side, Ayan left work and drove directly to Camille's

company to pick her up. They then headed to the Simpson's mansion

together.

Driving back to the mansion, they bought some snacks for Timmy and

fruits for the old Simpson. Due to the recent busy schedule, their visits

to the mansion had been infrequent.

During the drive, Camille brought up the topic of the old Simpson being

hospitalized. She said, "Grandpa will be admitted tomorrow. When we

get back tonight, you should talk to him. Even though he seems strict

with you, deep down, he trusts you immensely. Some things he'll only

believe if you say them.”

Ayan, one hand on the steering wheel, cast a gentle glance at Camille.

He replied softly, "I know."

Camille nodded in response and then turned to Ayan, asking in a low

voice, "Do you feel a lot of pressure?”

"Yes," he didn't hide it from Camille, stating his honest feelings. He then

reached over and gently held Camille's hand, saying, "But with you

around, I feel like I can handle any pressure with ease."

Camille chuckled at his words, teasing, "You and your sweet talk!"

“I'm speaking the truth.”

"Sure, sure, it's the truth. Did you secretly attend some eloquence

class? Why are you suddenly so good with words?" These kinds of

sweet words were never a part of their interactions before, and they

seemed completely out of character.

Ayan smiled, saying, "With so much going on at Simpson Group, I don't

have time to attend any classes. I know you might find it hard to believe

whatever I say, so tell me, what should I say for you to trust me?"

“It's not that I don't trust you. It's just hard to believe those words

coming from you."

"When you see someone you like, everything comes naturally,” Ayan

spoke softly.

Camille pursed her lips, her gaze gently fixed on Ayan. She asked,

"How long can you maintain this liking?"

"Naturally, a lifetime."

"Really?"

"Of course.”

Camille fell silent, her expression revealing a hint of complex emotions.

She didn't say anything but Ayan caught the fleeting look in her eyes.

Ayan asked, "What are you thinking?"

Camille gazed at Ayan with warmth, shaking her head lightly. “Nothing.”

Naturally, Ayan didn't believe it. He knew Camille well enough that he

could accurately judge whether she had something on her mind from a

single look or expression.

Still holding her hand, he spoke with a low, husky voice, "Are you

thinking about what I just said? Do you think liking can't last a lifetime?"

Camille hesitated for a moment, not expecting Ayan to ask so directly.

Since he did, Camille didn't deny it. Instead, she looked into his eyes

and nodded slightly, "Yes, I have thought about it because the person

you like isn't just me, right?"

This statement left Ayan completely silent.

Past emotions couldn't be erased, something he couldn't change. For

Ayan, every stage of his life was not regretted. Good or bad, it was

destined. However, Camille's question left him unsure how to respond.

He sighed silently, his voice low and husky, "So, do you despise me

now?"

“I don't despise you. I just feel that liking might not be enough to sustain

a lifetime.”

"Can'tit?"

"Of course not."

"What about love?" Ayan glanced at her and continued, "If liking can't,

love surely can, right?"

Camille's eyelashes trembled, a slight curve forming at the corner of

her mouth. She spoke very softly, “I don't know."

In reality, she just lacked a sense of security. At the same time, she

didn't want to completely immerse herself in it because she was

genuinely afraid. This fear stemmed from her inner insecurities,

something she rarely showed but was deeply ingrained.

So, she kept asking Ayan about liking.

After a brief moment of silence, lasting until they were about to reach

the Simpson's mansion, Ayan's voice suddenly broke the quiet. He

asked, "Cami, do you mind that I liked someone before? I might also

mind if you liked someone before. Can you tell me about it? What kind

of person was he?"

Camille was momentarily stunned, her brows subconsciously furrowing.

She almost forgot that Ayan had always believed she had a deeply

loved ex-boyfriend.

Camille fell into a brief silence, not sure how to answer the question.

Seeing her silence, Ayan's heart tightened, and his expression became

serious. He gazed at Camille and asked in a low, husky voice, "Why

aren't you saying anything? Huh?"

Camille met his scrutiny, gently blinking as she said, "I'm not not saying

anything.”

"Then answer me, what kind of person was he?"

"Ayan, are you sure you want to know about this? I never inquired

about your past!"

"You didn't ask, but you're aware, right?"

He asked lightly, leaving Camille speechless.

Because she was indeed aware. She had faced this topic several

times, and she knew everything about Cora.

Camille pursed her lips, and the man's voice continued in her ear, “So,

can't you tell me? I'm not implying anything; I just want to know. What

kind of person could make you unforgettable for so many years? Is he

still in your heart now?"

Camille squinted slightly, a faint emotion shimmering in her eyes. In

truth, she didn't know how to broach this topic.

However, Ayan's persistent questioning made her realize that if she

didn't say anything today, this scene might repeat itself tomorrow or the

day after. After a brief contemplation, she spoke in a low voice, "He

used to be a terrible person, but there have been many changes. I can

only tell you that I don't regret liking him. As for the rest, I don't want to

say more, okay?"

Ayan's expression became extremely serious. His pitch-black eyes

suddenly glanced at Camille, as if he wanted to see through her.

However, Camille didn't flinch in their gaze. Instead, she met his eyes

head-on.

As he was driving, he only glanced at Camille briefly. Then, with a face

devoid of any emotion, he looked ahead, and his low voice slowly

echoed, "Fine."

Observing Ayan's reaction, Camille felt an indescribable taste in her

heart. In fact, she was already wavering about whether to directly tell

him that the man she had liked for many years was, in fact, him.